The new edition of our handbook has now been printed and available to all new and existing members at the cost of £1.00 only. To get your copy please use the official order form or
ask for a copy when you next need to buy a record book, badge or certificate.

The challenges of The Discovery Award are non competitive, you progress at your own pace and within your own capabilities, whilst having fun and enjoying yourself at the same time.
You will meet new people and make new friends.

There is no maximum time limit for each challenge only a minimum. This is to promote a real sense of commitment to to your chosen challenge.

There are three levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold - each with an agreed time span and leading to its own certificate and badge.

Each level has four sections;

Service in the Community

Recreational pursuit

Hobby or Interest

Journey of Discovery (which need not be a physical journey)

SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY

Any service which helps others is acceptable: for example, Red Cross, visiting the elderly, committee work, working with voluntary youth organisations, conservation - the demand for
volunteers is endless , so the choice is yours!

BRONZE 24 - 30 hrs spread over a minimum of 12 weeks

SILVER 48 - 60 hrs spread over a minimum of 26 weeks

GOLD 100-120 hrsspread over a minimum of 52weeks

RECREATIONAL PURSUIT

This should involve some physical activity, but the limits are set by your own health and ability. Start slowly for your Bronze and work up to your Gold. For example, you might choose to
do archery, cycling, badminton, table tennis, golf, wheelchair sports. gardening, dancing, snooker or darts etc.

BRONZE 24 - 30 hrs spread over a minumum of 12 wks weeks

SILVER 30 - 50 hrs spread over a minimum of 26 weeks

GOLD 50 - 60 hrs spread over a minimum of 26 weeks

Please note the time scale for the Silver and Gold Awards are the same because some recreational activities can be affected by seasonal restrictions.

HOBBY OR INTEREST

You might like to take up a new interest or develop an old one. The choice is vast: writing, gardening, collecting stamps or postcards, reading, cinema or T.V, music, languages, painting
or drawing, photography, local history or architecture, abseiling or palientology - you name it, you can do it!

BRONZE 50-60 hrs spread over a minumum of 26 weeks

SILVER 100-120 hrs spread over a minimum of 52 weeks

GOLD 150-180 hrs spread over a minimum of 78 weeks

JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

You can travel anywhere, in your mind at home, in the comfort of your own armchair, through books, pictures, your television or computer; or abroad, on foot, bicycle or car, train or tram,
ship or plane, canoe or horseback. Discover far away places or local landmarks, even your family tree. Your Journey of Discovery can be physical, visual, spiritual or knowledgeable. All you have to
do is keep a record of your preparation and what you did, to submit for your award.

If you undertake a journey such as an expedition, with camping overnight, it is recommended that you prepare carefully for:

BRONZE minimum 6 weeks preparation time

SILVER minimum 9 weeks preparation time

GOLD minimum 12 weeks preparation time

The Journey will then comprise of:

BRONZE 6hrs of planned activity each day for 2 consecutive days

SILVER 6hrs of planned daily activity for 4 consecutive days or 2 sets of 2 consecutive days

For such journeys as above, it is imperative that your preparation also includes safety and 1st Aid skills as well as fitness and navigation and that you understand that you are
responsible for any insurance that might be needed.

The Discovery Award encourages you to take up new pastimes whilst recognising that your ability to undertake certain things might become restricted as your age changes. It will
however accept that new challenges do not necessarily mean completely new projects at each or any level. Sometimes we all need to revisit certain places or opportunities. Perhaps take up
old skills or continue where we left off!